The CDC found nearly 80 percent of the almost 50,000 aquatics facilities inspected in 2013 had at least one violation, while 1 in 8 inspections resulted in immediate closure due to safety and health violations. Not surprising, the facilities most likely to be closed were kiddie and wading pools — 1 in 5.
The most common violations were:
- Improper pH
- Safety equipment
- Disinfectant concentration
How swimmers can do their part
Swimmers can complete their own pool inspection with the following CDC-recommended steps:
- Look for the drain at the bottom of the pool. If the water is too cloudy to see it, think twice before jumping in.
- Check that the drain covers are secure and in good shape.
- Confirm that a lifeguard in always on duty or identify the safety equipment and confirm it is in close proximity to the pool.
“We should all check for inspection results online or onsite before using public pools, hot tubs or water playgrounds and do our own inspection before getting into the water,” says Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC Healthy Swimming Program.
In addition, swimmers should follow these three guidelines to prevent introducing harmful bacteria to the pool:
- Don’t enter the pool if you are sick
- Shower before swimming
- Wash your hands after a bathroom break
How aquatics professionals can do their part
The CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code provides a consistent and cohesive set of guidelines for aquatics facilities nationwide. The MAHC helps regulatory bodies update code and helps aquatics facilities update systems and processes that will reduce risk of disease outbreaks, drowning and chemical injuries.
A large component of the MAHC is a recommendation to include a secondary method of sanitation that is more effective than chlorine. Hydroxyl-based advanced oxidation is one such method that will help pools provide a safer, healthier, more enjoyable environment to patrons and staff.
In addition, aquatics facilities can educate their patrons about healthy, safe swimming habits using communications like newsletters and signs or incorporating it into swimming instruction.